Predictors of academic performance of nursing and paramedic students in first year bioscience

The expanding scope of practice of paramedics and nurses demands they possess a sophisticated knowledge of bioscience to enable them to think critically and make rational clinical decisions. It is well documented that nursing students struggle with bioscience but there are no studies examining the performance of paramedic students in this crucial subject. In this study, we compared the academic performance of first year nursing, paramedic and nursing/paramedic double degree students in a bioscience subject. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of academic success. Data revealed a low success rate in bioscience for all three degree programs (63.2, 58.8, and 67.6% respectively) and a strong correlation between academic success in bioscience and non-bioscience subjects (r(2)=0.49). The best predictors of overall academic success were the University Admission Index score and mature entry into the course. Previous study of biology was associated with an increased bioscience and overall GPA but not with non-bioscience grades. Discriminant analysis was used to develop a model that could predict overall academic success with an accuracy of 78.5%. These criteria may be useful during the admission process and for the early identification of students at risk of failure.     

Learning preference as a predictor of academic performance in first year accelerated graduate entry nursing students: a prospective follow-up study

The growth of accelerated graduate entry nursing programs has challenged traditional approaches to teaching and learning. To date, limited research has been undertaken in the role of learning preferences, language proficiency and academic performance in accelerated programs. Sixty-two first year accelerated graduate entry nursing students, in a single cohort at a university in the western region of Sydney, Australia, were surveyed to assess their learning preference using the Visual, Aural, Read/write and Kinaesthetic (VARK) learning preference questionnaire, together with sociodemographic data, English language acculturation and perceived academic control. Six months following course commencement, the participant's grade point average (GPA) was studied as a measurement of academic performance. A 93% response rate was achieved. The majority of students (62%) reported preference for multiple approaches to learning with the kinaesthetic sensory mode a significant (p=0.009) predictor of academic performance. Students who spoke only English at home had higher mean scores across two of the four categories of VARK sensory modalities, visual and kinaesthetic compared to those who spoke non-English. Further research is warranted to investigate the reasons why the kinaesthetic sensory mode is a predictor of academic performance and to what extent the VARK mean scores of the four learning preference(s) change with improved English language proficiency.     

护理本科生自主学习能力调查与分析

目的了解在校护本科生自主学习能力,以利于有针对性地进行自主学习培养。方法采用自主学习自评量表（SRSSDL）对183名护理本科生进行调查。结果不同年级护理本科生的自主学习能力总分及4个维度得分差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,专业态度对自主学习影响有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论护理本科生自主学习能力较强,护理教育者应重视增强学生专业认同感,对不同年级护理本科生的自主学习给予有针对性的培养。     

Emotional intelligence as a predictor of academic performance in first‐year accelerated graduate entry nursing students

Aims and objectives. To examine the association between trait emotional intelligence and learning strategies and their influence on academic performance among first‐year accelerated nursing students. Design. The study used a prospective survey design. Methods. A sample size of 81 students (100% response rate) who undertook the accelerated nursing course at a large university in Sydney participated in the study. Emotional intelligence was measured using the adapted version of the 144‐item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire. Four subscales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire were used to measure extrinsic goal motivation, peer learning, help seeking and critical thinking among the students. The grade point average score obtained at the end of six months was used to measure academic achievement. Results. The results demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between emotional intelligence scores and critical thinking (r = 0.41; p < 0·001), help seeking (r = 0.33; p < 0·003) and peer learning (r = 0.32; p < 0·004) but not with extrinsic goal orientation (r = ?0.05; p < 0·677). Emotional intelligence emerged as a significant predictor of academic achievement (β = 0.25; p = 0·023). Conclusion. In addition to their learning styles, higher levels of awareness and understanding of their own emotions have a positive impact on students’ academic achievement. Higher emotional intelligence may lead students to pursue their interests more vigorously and think more expansively about subjects of interest, which could be an explanatory factor for higher academic performance in this group of nursing students. Relevance to clinical practice. The concepts of emotional intelligence are central to clinical practice as nurses need to know how to deal with their own emotions as well as provide emotional support to patients and their families. It is therefore essential that these skills are developed among student nurses to enhance the quality of their clinical practice.     

护理本科生学习策略水平与学业自我效能感的相关性研究

目的 调查护理本科生学习策略使用水平和学业自我效能感现状,分析学习策略使用能力与学业自我效能感的相关性.方法 采用《大学生学习策略问卷》和《学业自我效能感问卷》,对3个年级共346名护理本科生进行调查.结果 护理本科生学习策略总分(67.32±8.54)分;学业自我效能感总分(22.54±2.27)分;学习策略总分、元认知策略、创新策略与学业自我效能感存在相关性.结论 护理本科生的学习策略使用水平与学业自我效能感相关,故应通过增强学生的学业自我效能感提高学习策略的使用水平,从而促进其自主学习能力和终身学习能力的发展.     

Effect of online communication skills training on effective communication and self-efficacy and self-regulated learning skills of nursing students: A randomized controlled study

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of online communication skills training conducted for first-year nursing students on effective communication and self-efficacy and self-regulated learning skills.BackgroundCommunication skills are an important part of nursing care.MethodsThis research was designed as a pre-test–post-test randomized controlled experimental study. The study population comprised first-year undergraduate nursing students of a state university in Turkey. A total of 60 students included in the study were divided into the two following groups: experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The research data were collected between 1 December 2020 and 1 March 2021. Pre-test and post-test forms were simultaneously provided to the groups. Post-tests were repeated 1 month after the pre-test was completed. A 2-day (a total of 12 h) communication skills training was conducted online for the students in the experimental group after the pre-test forms were filled. Information form, Effective Communication Skills Scale (ECSS), General Self-efficacy Scale (GSE) and Self-regulated Learning Skills Scale (SRLSS) were used to collect the data.ResultsThe effective communication and SRLSS mean scores of the nursing students were high and the GSE scores were below average. On comparing the groups, the post-test mean scores of the communication skills and GSE were found to decrease in both the groups compared with the pre-test ones. This decrease was significant only in the “ego-enhancing language” subdimension of ECSS (p < 0.05). The post-test mean scores of the SRLSS increased in both the groups, but this increase was not significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionAlthough the SRLSS scores of the students increased in the post-test, the study results show that communication skills training did not have a significant effect on effective communication and self-efficacy and self-regulated learning skills. The results of this study are important in terms of guiding research and trainings that examine the effects of communication skills.     

学业成绩、学业情绪与本科实习护生职业生涯适应力的相关性分析

目的 探讨学业成绩、学业情绪与本科实习护生职业生涯适应力的相关性,为提高本科护生前期专业理论教学质量与增强后期临床工作适应力提供借鉴.方法 采取整群抽样方法,对某高校2017级分布于5所三级甲等医院的128名本科实习护生进行学业成绩、学业情绪及职业生涯适应力调查.结果 本科护生生涯适应力各维度均分为4.07±0.06～...     

Resilience and academic motivation's mediation effects in nursing students' academic stress and self-directed learning: A multicenter cross-sectional study

AimsTo investigate the mediating role of resilience and academic motivation between academic stress and self-directed learning.BackgroundAcademic stress in nursing students is a well-reported concept that affects resilience, academic motivation and self-directed learning. However, there is a dearth of studies investigating the mediating role of resilience and academic motivation between academic stress and self-directed learning.DesignCross-sectional study and mediation analysis.MethodsNursing students (n = 718) were recruited from five nursing schools via convenience sampling. Four self-report scales (Perception of Academic Stress Scale, Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale, Short Academic Motivation Scale and Self-directed Learning Instrument) were used to collect data from August to December 2022. Pearson’s r, bivariate analysis and multistage regression analyses were employed to analyze the data.ResultsAcademic stress negatively influences nursing students' resilience, academic motivation and self-directed learning. Resilience and academic motivation have a positive impact on self-directed learning. Resilience and academic motivation mediate the relationship between academic stress and self-directed learning, as evidenced by a reduction in the negative impacts of academic stress on nursing students.ConclusionResilience and academic motivation, as mediators, reduce the effects of academic stress on self-directed learning. Nursing educators and administrators should promote programs that strengthen resilience and academic motivation. Thus, improving educational and clinical performance.     

Effect of multi-disciplinary teaching on learning satisfaction,self-confidence level and learning performance in the nursing students

AimThe aim of this study was to design a multidisciplinary teaching method that combines game-based learning with a clinical situation–based teaching program and to test learning motivation, learning satisfaction and self-confidence.BackgroundResearch has suggested that game-based learning and clinical situation-based teaching can effectively capture student attention and stimulate student learning motivation as well as increase learning satisfaction and self-confidence.DesignThe randomized and experimental design used in this study was a pretest–posttest control group design.MethodsThis study recruited participants from a technical college in the north of Taiwan. The experimental group (receiving multidisciplinary teaching) comprised 48 participants and the control group (receiving traditional teaching) comprised 50 participants. Participants took a pretest before the multidisciplinary teaching intervention, received a total of 12 weeks of intervention and then took a posttest within 1 week of the end of the course. These participants completed a questionnaire regarding learning satisfaction, confidence and learning performance.ResultsThe multidisciplinary teaching intervention improved learning satisfaction (t = 7.36, p < 0.001), self-confidence (t = 7.34, p < 0.001) and learning performance (t = 6.66, p < 0.001). Multidisciplinary teaching interventions can improve learning satisfaction, self-confidence and learning performance among nursing students.ConclusionsMultidisciplinary teaching should be promoted in the context of nursing teaching and students have the multidisciplinary learning.     

Effects of blended versus offline case-centred learning on the academic performance and critical thinking ability of undergraduate nursing students: A cluster randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effect of blended and offline case-centred learning on medical nursing education for undergraduate nursing students.BackgroundTechnological advancements are rapidly changing nursing education in higher educational settings. Educational reform, especially regarding methods of teaching, has been the focus of nursing educators in recent years.DesignThe research was conducted between September 2018 and July 2019 in China.MethodsSecond-year undergraduate nursing students in two classes were enrolled for this study by cluster sampling. The study outcomes were academic performance and critical thinking ability, measured using the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version.ResultsStudents in the experimental class showed significantly higher improvements in academic performance than those in the control class. Compared with the control class, the pre-post difference in competency in critical thinking self-confidence in the experimental class was significantly greater (p = 0.037). In the experimental class, there was a significant improvement over the baseline in the dimension of critical thinking self-confidence (p = 0.022). In the control class, there was a significant improvement over the baseline in the total score (p = 0.029) and two of the seven dimensions: truth-seeking (p = 0.016) and systematicity (p = 0.005).ConclusionsThe use of blended case-centred learning showed promising results in improving students’ academic performance. Both blended and offline case-centred learning were indicated to be effective educational approaches to improve the critical thinking ability of undergraduate nursing students and could be implemented for other nursing subjects in the future.     

A path model of factors influencing the academic performance of nursing students

AIMS: The aim of this study was to build and test a model describing some of the psychological processes underlying nursing students' academic performance. The model hypothesized that age and entry qualifications influence students' academic motivation (locus of control, academic worries, self-efficacy, and expectations), and that this in turn affects their decisions to seek support, which subsequently influences their academic performance. RATIONALE AND BACKGROUND: A literature search showed that previous academic motivation research is piecemeal. The present work sought to integrate previous findings into a coherent framework as a way of advancing our understanding of the complex interactive nature of the factors influencing student performance. METHOD: Path analysis was performed on data obtained from questionnaires and university records for 315 students undertaking a preregistration diploma course in nursing at a university in the Northwest of England. RESULTS: Support-seeking was more predictive of student performance than entry qualifications. Support-seeking also mediated the age-performance relationship: greater willingness to seek support led to the better academic performance of older students. Other features of the accepted model suggested that students who judged their self-efficacy to be higher expected higher grades and that these highly optimistic expectations led to less support-seeking. Academic worries and internal control beliefs were also found to have positive influences on support-seeking. The model developed accounted for 24% of the variance in students' academic performance. DISCUSSION: Implications for nurse education, and interventions that focus on improving students' academic motivation are discussed in the context of the 'personal teacher' support framework.     

五年制高职护生学习策略与学业成绩的相关性分析

[目的]分析五年制高职护理专业学生的学习策略与学业成绩的相关性,为策略教学干预提供依据。[方法]横断面随机调查五年制高职护理专业224名学生的学习策略状况,采集调查对象期末考试课成绩,进行统计分析。[结果]不同学业成绩等次护生学习策略水平差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),资源管理策略水平影响所有年级高职护生学业成绩,动机激发和时间管理对高职护生的学业预测效果最佳。[结论]资源管理策略是影响五年制高职护生学业成绩的主要因素,同时对低年级护生须加强专心程度、自我测试、考试策略的元认知学习策略指导,高年级护生则要关注情感策略的引导。     

Effects of unfolding case-based learning on academic achievement,critical thinking,and self-confidence in undergraduate nursing students learning health assessment skills

AimTo determine whether using unfolding case-based learning for undergraduate nursing students learning health assessment skills enhanced academic achievement, critical thinking and self-confidence, in comparison to traditional learning methods.BackgroundUnfolding case-based learning is an effective strategy for nursing students to narrow the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. Little is known about whether unfolding case-based learning can be applied effectively in learning health assessment skills for undergraduate nursing students in China.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was used in this study. One hundred and fifteen undergraduate nursing students were recruited using convenience sampling from a medical university in southern China. They were assigned to an intervention group (n = 54) receiving unfolding case-based learning of health assessment skills, or a control group (n = 61) using traditional learning methods based on students’ choices. Learning outcomes were evaluated by students’ academic achievement, critical thinking and self-confidence. Data for critical thinking and self-confidence were collected before and after using the teaching strategies.ResultsThe academic achievements of undergraduate nursing students in the intervention group were better than those in the control group. The total average scores of critical thinking (272.51 vs. 266.47) and self-confidence (24.92 vs. 21.04) for nursing students in the intervention group were also higher than those in the control group after implementing teaching strategies. There were statistical differences in the theory test (P = 0.041), skill test (P = 0.013), critical thinking (P = 0.008) and self-confidence (P = 0.036) between the two groups. Additionally, the statistical significance of the scores for critical thinking (264.36 vs. 272.51, P < 0.001) and self-confidence (18.76 vs. 24.92, P < 0.001) before and after teaching strategies were also observed among participants in the intervention group, but not in the control group (P = 0.143, P = 0.738).ConclusionsUnfolding case-based learning may be effective and suitable for undergraduate nursing students learning health assessment skills. The findings of this study provide useful information to nursing teachers for the development of unfolding case-based learning when teaching other nursing skills to undergraduate nursing students.     

Learning strategies of first year nursing and medical students: A comparative study

Background

Interprofessional education (IPE), where two or more professions learn with, from, and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care, has been proposed as a curriculum strategy to promote mutual understanding between professions, thus helping to prepare health professionals to work in challenging contemporary health systems. Although there is support for IPE initiatives within health professional education, differences in student motivation and learning strategies are likely to contribute to the success of these initiatives.

Objective

To explore self-regulated learning strategies used by first year medical and nursing students, and to determine if these strategies were different among nursing students who were high achievers.

Design

A comparative survey design.

Setting

Nursing and medical nursing schools in a large university in the western region of Sydney, Australia.

Participants

Six hundred and sixty-five first year nursing (n = 565) and medical (n = 100) students in a large university in the western region of Sydney were surveyed to assess motivational and learning strategies using The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Data relating to sociodemographic characteristics and academic performance were also collected.

Results

Nursing students were significantly older than medical students (mean age: 24.4 years versus 19.4 years; p < 0.001), and there were also more females in the nursing student group (82% versus 56%; p < 0.001). Although nursing students had a higher mean score for extrinsic goal orientation compared to medical students (p < 0.001), medical students had higher mean scores for the other four learning strategies measured: peer learning (p = 0.003), help seeking (p = 0.008), critical thinking (p = 0.058), and time and study environment management (p < 0.001). Similarly, the grade point average (GPA) of medical students at the end of their first year was significantly higher (4.5, S.D. 1.4 versus 3.6, S.D. 1.3; p < 0.001) compared to that of nursing students.

Conclusion

While interprofessional education is seen to have many benefits for students, this study demonstrates differences in motivational and learning strategies between nursing and medical students that may impact on the success of interprofessional programs.